Nigeria, UN Rally Global Support For Peacekeeping, Honour Fallen Officers

Nigeria and UN mark Peacekeepers’ Day in Abuja, honour fallen officers and urge stronger global investment in peacebuilding and conflict prevention.

Nigeria has renewed its commitment to global peacekeeping and multilateral cooperation, with the United Nations and the Nigeria Police Force calling for greater investment in peacebuilding as the world confronts rising conflicts, insecurity and humanitarian crises.

The call was made on Wednesday during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers in Abuja, where the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, paid tribute to peacekeepers who have served and died in missions across the world.

Held under the theme “Invest in Peace,” the event brought together government officials, diplomats, security agencies, development partners and serving peacekeepers to celebrate the sacrifices and achievements of men and women deployed under the United Nations flag.

The United Nations described peacekeeping as one of the most enduring symbols of international solidarity, stressing that peace remains the foundation of sustainable development and human progress.

Speaking at the ceremony, the UN Resident Coordinator said peace was built not only through security interventions but also through investments in education, justice, social cohesion, youth empowerment and inclusive development.

“Every investment in peace is an investment in humanity,” the UN official said, citing the position of UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, that peace remains the foundation upon which sustainable development is built.

The UN noted that more than two million people have served in peacekeeping operations since 1948, while over 87,000 military, police and civilian personnel are currently deployed in missions around the world.

The world body also highlighted Nigeria’s impressive peacekeeping record, revealing that the country has contributed more than 200,000 military and police personnel to 41 peace support missions since the 1960s.

According to the UN, Nigeria currently has 335 uniformed personnel serving in United Nations operations, including 138 officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Resident Coordinator commended Nigerian peacekeepers for their professionalism and dedication in conflict zones, saying they had helped protect civilians, strengthen democratic institutions and support post-conflict recovery efforts across several countries.

“You carry trust. You carry the hopes of families you protect. You walk into difficult places so others can live in safety. You stand between uncertainty and stability,” the official told Nigerian officers serving under the UN flag.

In his remarks, IGP Disu paid glowing tribute to peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of global peace and security.

He disclosed that since the establishment of UN Peacekeeping Operations in 1948, more than 4,500 peacekeepers have lost their lives while protecting vulnerable populations and helping stabilize conflict-affected societies.

“Peace is not free. It is often secured through extraordinary acts of courage, selflessness and dedication,” Disu said.

The police chief emphasized Nigeria’s longstanding contributions to international peace operations through the deployment of police officers to various United Nations missions across Africa and beyond.

According to him, Nigerian police personnel have distinguished themselves in areas such as civilian protection, electoral assistance, post-conflict reconstruction, institution building and community policing.

He said the professionalism displayed by Nigerian officers has earned the country international recognition and strengthened its standing as a responsible contributor to global peace and security.

Disu used the occasion to advocate increased investment in peacebuilding initiatives, arguing that preventing conflicts is more cost-effective and sustainable than responding to crises after violence has erupted.

“Investing in peace means strengthening institutions, promoting justice, protecting human rights and addressing the root causes of instability before they escalate into conflict,” he said.

The IGP also stressed the need for continuous training and capacity development for peacekeepers, noting that modern peace operations require personnel equipped with operational competence, mediation skills, cultural sensitivity and community engagement capabilities.

He further underscored the importance of increasing women’s participation in peacekeeping missions, saying inclusive peace processes produce more sustainable outcomes and strengthen the legitimacy of peace operations.

Disu paid special tribute to the families of peacekeepers, describing them as unsung heroes whose sacrifices and emotional support make international service possible.

The event also coincided with Nigeria’s renewed commitment to the principles and objectives of the United Nations Charter ahead of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Nigerian officials reiterated the country’s support for international cooperation, global peace efforts and ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of the United Nations in addressing emerging global challenges.

The United Nations, meanwhile, commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for efforts to promote peace, security and national stability, noting that peacekeeping abroad and peacebuilding at home are inseparable elements of sustainable development.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria through partnerships with government institutions, civil society groups, traditional leaders, women, youth and development partners to advance dialogue, human rights, humanitarian assistance and social cohesion.

Speakers at the ceremony agreed that peace should not merely be defined as the absence of war but as the presence of justice, opportunity and human dignity.

They stressed that investments in schools, healthcare, community development, youth empowerment and accountable institutions remain essential for preventing violence and building resilient societies.

As global conflicts, terrorism, displacement and political instability continue to challenge international peace and security, participants called for stronger cooperation among nations and renewed commitment to the ideals of the United Nations.

They maintained that the greatest legacy the current generation can leave behind is a peaceful world where future generations can live in safety, dignity and hope.